ABP Humber and RBT join growing ABTO membership

ABP Humber has joined the Association of Bulk Terminal Operators (ABTO) as a full member, in what marks a significant milestone for the newly formed trade association.

Associated British Ports’ terminals in Hull, Grimsby, Goole and Immingham, which together handle more than 65 million tonnes of cargo annually, contributing over £2.2 billion to the UK economy, join a growing ABTO membership-base that includes operators in the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Simon Bird, Director, Humber, ABP Ports, commented: “With developments taking place across the Humber region together with the emergence of new bulk products, such as biomass, an association capable of representing the interests of the bulk sector is important to the industry.”

ABP Humber’s membership to ABTO follows that of another operator located on the UK’s east coast: Redcar Bulk Terminal, which operates a 32m long quay on the South Bank of the River Tees.

Ian Adams, ABTO Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to welcome both ABP Humber and Redcar Bulk Terminals as full members to the association. The developments being undertaken by these two terminal operators is indicative of a resurgent maritime and logistics sector across the UK’s east coast. ABP Humber’s Immingham terminal is the UK’s largest port by volume, handling around 55 million tonnes of bulk cargoes each year, while the developments to revive West Cumbria’s mining industry could benefit the Redcar Terminal, which has been earmarked to handle coal for onward transportation to Europe.”

Garry O’Malley, General Manager, Redcar Bulk Terminals (RBT), said: “As one of the UK’s major bulk terminal operators, joining the Association of Bulk Terminal Operators provides an invaluable opportunity to network with other terminal operators with a mutual interest in cargo handling, environmental challenges and safety.”

Redcar Bulk Terminal, on the south bank of the River Tees, was part of the UK’s integrated steelworks and an import facility for iron ire and coal cargoes. Following the closure of the steelworks in October 2015, RBT has continued to operate and grow as a major bulk handling facility capable of handling large capesize vessels with draughts up to 17m. RBT currently handles imports of coal, pet coke, GBFS and aggregates and export cargoes of scrap and metallurgical coke.

“British Steel, which recently acquired a 50% stake in the business, considers the terminal a perfect strategic fit, given its coveted position in the North East,” said O’Malley. “It offers a superb gateway into the industrial heartland of the UK and to businesses throughout the North of England.”

The Association of Bulk Terminal Operators, established in 2015, offers bulk terminal operators the opportunity to exchange information and expertise between members on a whole range of topics, including biomass and security.